Bethel University’s student club Creation Restoration held a public forum on December 9 with polar explorer Will Steger. More than 60 people attended to hear Steger, a world renowned environmentalist, present a firsthand account of climate change documented during his expeditions. Along with Steger, J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director at Fresh Energy, spoke about effective clean energy and clean air solutions that could benefit the economy. Other speakers included Dale Gentry, professor at Northwestern College, who offered reflections on the connection between Christianity and environmental stewardship, and Bethel student Bethany Campbell, who explained why she thinks Creation Care is important for students.

The student-led Creation Restoration’s goal is to educate Bethel's faculty, students, and staff on how to become more sustainable and better stewards of God's creation. Last spring, the group developed a partnership with the organization Restoring Eden when they invited founder and executive director Peter Illyn to speak in a Bethel chapel. The two groups collaborated again to host this forum with Steger.